There’s no doubt that the Mansfield House foundation is in need of some serious repair and re-pointing (not to mention rodent and air sealing) in certain areas, especially within the vicinity of the front steps and entry: But it wasn’t … Continue reading →

Here’s yet another old photograph of the Mansfield House, once again provided by my good friend Randal Ritter of the Derby Historical Society. The photo comes from the Bradley Glass Slide collection, a set of over 400 antique photographic slides … Continue reading →

The weather’s been remarkably temperate this winter, in sharp contrast to last year’s severe snow storms. Today was a particularly mild day, where you could comfortably step outside in shirt sleeves if you felt like it. So, I was inspired … Continue reading →

The last caretaker living in the Mansfield House left a steel bed, box frame, and mattress behind, in the parlor chamber. This afternoon, I wanted just to move all this to another room, when I discovered, much to my chagrin, … Continue reading →

Here’s a photo of the Reverend Richard Mansfield House when it was situated at its original location, on the opposite side of Jewett Street, more or less where Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church and School stands today: From the sun and … Continue reading →

Recently, I came across the following text in the drawer of a cherry Shaker table in the Mansfield House. Undoubtedly, it had been left behind from the days when this home was a public house museum. But its author is … Continue reading →

It is with tremendous honor, pride, happiness, and humility, that today I announce my recent acquisition of the Reverend Richard Mansfield House (c. 1700) of Ansonia, Connecticut, from the Derby Historical Society. Ostensibly constructed in 1700, the Mansfield House was … Continue reading →

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"For all that's been written about deep energy reductions and historic preservation, no one's as thoughtful about it as our friend, John Poole. His blog is rich in history, packed with great photos, and full of good, substantive building information." - Peter Troast, Founder and CEO of EnergyCircle

Member, Society of Architectural Historians

Builder Link Advisory Group Member

"We must continue to work on practical strategies for improving the performance of [older homes] without compromising or destroying the distinctive character that makes them so appealing." - Richard Moe, President Emeritus, National Trust for Historic Preservation

Member, Window Preservation Standards Collaborative

“Old buildings are not ours. They belong, partly to those who built them, and partly to the generations of mankind who are to follow us. The dead still have their right to them: That which they labored for… we have no right to obliterate. What we ourselves have built, we are at liberty to throw down. But what other men gave their strength, and wealth and life to accomplish, their right over it does not pass away with their death.”
- John Ruskin